Lajim announced on Saturday that he was quitting as an Umno Supreme Council member, Beaufort Umno Division chief and Beaufort BN chairman but remaining as an Umno member and as the federal deputy housing and local government minister.

Bumburing announced yesterday that he was resigning from the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) of which he had been the deputy president.

Both the leaders have claimed association with the opposition front and indicated they would set up the so-called Sabah Reform Front. Ahmad said party struggle and interests should take precedence over personal interests.

"It is just an isolated problem because there are many others who can replace them. The people's support (for the BN) is growing," he told reporters here.